On Mar 22, 6:19 pm, "John Grabowski" wrote:
"Mike" wrote in message

oups.com...



I read in a NEC summary that a 6 cubic inch pancake box is "only good
for the end of a 14/2 run", i.e., no outgoing 14/2 allowed. But I
also read (somewhere, not specifically in the NEC) that the pancake
box can be used as a junction box, as long as the fixture atached is
domed and hence provides the additional cubic inchdes needed for the
junction.

Is the second statement true? If so, do inspectors go along with
it?

If I have 6 outdoor fixtures to install along the front of a building;
can I just daisy chain a 14/2 to each location, and leave (2) 1 foot
ends hanging out of a hole at each location, claiming a pancake box +
domed fixture will be installed at each location (when the building
exterior is finished)? I've seen plenty of new construction where the
wiring for exterior lights is jsut left hanging, and I assume they get
their rough wiring bought off prior to completing the exterior trim/
fixtures.

Mike

Even if it was permitted I would not bring more than one cable into a
pancake box. When you go to hang the fixtures the extra wires will get in
the way of the fixture stud and bracket. It will be more trouble then it is
worth. Talk to the owner/contractor/architect or whoever will be finishing
the exterior and find out exactly how much depth you have to work with. It
would be great if you could get a 4" x 1 1/2"octagonal box in for your two
cables and the box comes out to be flush with the finished exterior. If not
find a place to put a deep square junction box where it will be accessible
and bring all of your cables there.

Generally speaking for a rough electrical inspection you would need to have
your boxes mounted and grounded (If metal). I suppose you could claim to be
installing surface pancake boxes upon completion of the exterior. It
depends on the inspector.

This is a good answer and I have no problem installing 1.5" deep
boxes; for some reason I had tought the 1/2" deep pancake box was the
only solution, but I can fit a 1.5" deep box there just as easily. As
long as the box can be mounted externally and against the sheeting I'm
happy; I'll surround the boxes with a 1.5" thick piece of trim anyways
so no issue with the depth. So now as long as my rough in can get by
just having the exterior lamp wires hanging through a hole in the
sheating I'll be good; I'd like to leave the final position/height of
the box (+/- a few inches only) to when the trim/siding is being
installed.

Mike